Shantanu and Nikhil for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Showstopper Jesse Randhawa with Shantanu and Nikhil

The show was a grand amalgamation of fashion and art when Himalayan presented the ‘Himalayan Couture Collection’ by Shantanu and Nikhil and artwork by artist Brinda Miller at the fashion week. Super model and dancer, Jesse Randhawa floated in a white will-power textured gown with tantalizing 3D embellishments to end the superb show.

Showstopper Jesse Randhawa

Four giant columns on the stage set the mood of the show and 39 beautiful creations enthralled the audience. The collection inspired by the colours and charm of the Himalayan waters, known for its rare beauty. Visualised by the majesty and serenity of the Himalayas, the free-spirited couture line had timeless beauty and elegance.

Shantanu and Nikhil

Layering was contemporary with head gears making a striking addition. Offering couture wear, the silhouettes incorporated creative construction and intriguing fabric cutouts on a colour story that had dramatic grey, white, deep red, blue and black for luxurious fabrics like chiffon, georgette, tulle and organza.

Shantanu and Nikhil

Moulded silhouettes were seen in New Age lehengas and Anarkalis, while tone-on-tone draped sari-gowns were regal in form and structure, but cocktail gowns were voluminous as they sailed down the ramp. Opening the show with a tiered tulle will-power gown with antique gold work, the display moved to dramatic creations that were just ideal for cocktail bridal wear.

Shantanu and Nikhil

Bronze beaded asymmetric jacket over ruffled ecru skirt, the sensational halter sari-gown, the grey fishtail net gown, and the navy sheath creation were sensational. Moulded and draped cleverly to the curves of the models, the textured rust choli-cum-sari creation, the lehenga with long sleeved choli and the black draped jersey choli gave new options to wedding wear.

Shantanu and Nikhil

Men’s wear had sharp distinct cuts with an interesting pairing of round skirts for sherwanis, bundgalas, kurtas with bundies, an interesting printed sherwani and a set of side-draped kurtas worn with fluid skirts, added a new dimension to men’s wear.

Contrasting Colour Palettes at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Sanjay Garg

Textile designer Sanjay Garg’s label ‘Raw Mango’ brought forth a mesmerising collection featuring gorgeous Indian textiles. Sanjay’s revival of chanderi, mushru and craft traditions of West Bengal and Akola for his hand-woven textiles is nationally renowned.

Sanjay Garg

Bringing back the beauty of Indian textiles, Sanjay displayed hand-woven engineered fabrics that created a panel size repeat of large curvilinear designs. Having researched and worked in various weaving clusters in India, Sanjay selected Varanasi for this intricate design and pattern. The gorgeous collections were created in the kadwa brocade technique of Varanasi, where the ornamentation of motifs use extra weft.

Sanjay Garg

Dividing the collection in jewel tones of shocking pink, deep blue, peach, gold, white and parrot green the gorgeous gold motifs of flowers, birds and intricate traditional designs were stunning visions. Remaining loyal to a limited variety of silhouettes for the regal garments—empire line midi, simple maxi, quilted jackets and sherwanis, lean kurtas, waisted-frocks, paneled gowns, saris, lehengas, pajamas and shararas—swirled down the ramp on graceful models.

Soumitra Mondal

Bringing unique weaves and the juxtaposition of patterns, motifs and techniques in embroidery, Soumitra Mondal for his label ‘Marg’ presented ‘Woven Royalty’—a revival of classic Indian heritage at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014.

Soumitra Mondal

Inspired by the attire and lifestyle of vintage royal Indian families, Soumitra had skilled craftsmen to recreate the fabrics. The jamdani, khadi, silk and cottons with a twist in the weaves, displayed a predominantly beige colour story with hints of pink and gold. Aimed at modern Indian woman who adores the aristocratic look, Soumitra offered silhouettes that ranged from A-line, knee, and ankle-length for bundgalas, tops and jackets. Saris appeared in gorgeous weaves to appease the desires of the traditional dresser.

Soumitra Mondal

Saris were elegantly regal with tiny butties splashed all over or with luxurious resham borders showing hints of glitter. Stylish bundgalas with parallel pants, capris with kurtas sported tonal embroidery, flared mini kurti and a reversible waistcoat were ideal for semi formal wear. Going in for more intense embellishments, Soumitra had silk motifs that cascaded down shoulders to waist for garments often teamed with wide flared pants. Mirror work gradually crept in for a long sleeved kurta and the final peach lehenga, choli and dupatta were ideal wedding attire.